After Long Wait, Isla Puting Bato Preschool Starts 2nd Run

It was like a waiting game. It was already November of 2012, way past the opening of classes in June, but the Visions of Hope Christian School (VOHCS) preschool in Isla Puting Bato, Tondo, Manila remained closed due to the unavailability of a new venue. The building that the school previously used had been turned into a tutorial center.

The parents of the school's first set of pupils anxiously and eagerly awaited its reopening. Some of them, growing tired of waiting, registered their children in the nearest public school. Meanwhile, the VOHCS staff and teachers kept looking for a place that would best meet the needs of the children.

An opening came when Samahang Maralita ng Isla Puting Bato, a grassroots organization, planned to move its operations to another barangay. VOHCS Director for Administrative Affairs Cristina Gellor and VOH Administrator Noeh R. Vios met up with its president and discussed the possibility of renting the place it would vacate.

In due time, the wait was over. A contract was signed. A general clean-up drive was carried out. Chairs, tables, boards, and other school equipment were transported to the area. A date was decided upon.

On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, the VOHCS preschool in Isla Puting Bato officially started its second year of operation. In an opening ceremony, Pastor Nhoy Vista gave an apt teaching on the importance of spiritual values taught to children. Ms. Gellor also reminded the parents of their part in running the school and ensuring that the children are able to comply with its requirements. The parents responded by pledging to give their utmost support to VOHCS while the teachers committed themselves to training the children with excellence and tender care.

VOHCS Assistant Teacher Elsa de Leon welcomes Isla Puting Bato children
to the school's second run.

Together with their parents, VOHCS children sing the national anthem
on their first school day in 2012. 

VOHCS: Off to Great Start in School Year 2012 - 2013

The Visions of Hope Christian School (VOHCS) got off to a wonderful start in the new academic year with a total of 718 students in 29 schools  --  14 schools in Luzon, five in the Visayas, and 10 in Mindanao.

In the pre-schools (composed of more than 600 children from the poorest families in the communities) morning and afternoon sessions are held from Monday to Thursday, with the more advanced students attending the morning sessions. "One of the school goals for the year is for all children who are five years and younger to be readers by December," said Tina Gellor, principal. 

Children at the Visions of Hope Christian School in Intramuros, Manila recite 
Psalm 112:5, "A good man will guide with discretion," led by Teacher Angel Lazaro.

On Fridays, the children attend joint classes consisting of Children’s Brigade marching drills and lessons in music, arts, and physical education. While the children attend these sessions,  their parents learn how to do follow-up work on lessons taught during the week, pick up homework for the weekend,  and attend discipleship meetings. "Doors are opened for ministry to parents as well," said Principal Tina.  "We still have parents from last school year coming back for Bible study this year!" 

Aside from the pre-schools, VOHCS has started first grade in Intramuros, Manila, and in Malungon, Saranggani on the southern island of Mindanao.

Children sing, "Jesus is best and all to me, He is the One  who died for me so from sin I could be free."

In the  boarding school program for former street dwelling children, VOHCS has 52 children in grade school and 21 boys in high school.  The grade schoolers are temporarily housed at the Training and Development Institute campus in Magdalena, four towns from Bay, Laguna, where construction of a chapel, dormitory, academic building, and pool are nearing completion.  VOHCS hopes to move the children back to Bay in October.

Some 150 students in the towns of Midsayap, Aleosan, and Libungan, also on the island of Mindanao, have signed up to attend Alternative Learning System classes. The program has modules on all subjects in formal grade schools and high schools.  The classes prepare out--of-school youth to take grade school and high school equivalency tests.  "This is one way of bringing hope to  underprivileged youth, and even to adults," said ALS teacher Zuraida Alih.  "One of our students is a woman who is over 50 years of age. It is also an easy way to share the Gospel.  Our classes include Bible readings and devotions," Zuraida added.

Photos by Vivian Ataylar and Angel Lazaro